We want a newborn, or very close to newborn and we wanted to retain some modicum of control. Which, when you think about it, isn't really true, we're kidding ourselves that we're more in control adopting domestically than internationally. But hey, it's my insanity reality. Besides, I'm lazy. I didn't want to deal with the dossier and embassies and visas or whatever the hell you have to do depending on which country you're adopting from. I also didn't want to be in the position of having to travel once or even twice to another country to bring home a baby. I like to travel...but the thought of booking with little notice and trying to figure out what you have to bring and then flying home with a baby who doesn't even know us? Uh, makes my head hurt.

Another reason we chose domestic was to have a semi-open or open adoption. We fall into the category of wanting to start with a semi-open and work at growing into an open adoption over time. Who knows how it will end up but that's the hope. It also helps that our adoption agency charges a flat fee to everyone in the domestic newborn program. It's under $20k, and we'll be matched in-state. It's about as easy as you can get IMO.